They might still carry a brother machine over there? I don't know what kind of brands you're looking at, but if you're just a beginner any beginner machine is going to be A-OK! I'd also go to a sewing or fabric store near you and ask the associates which kind of machine they would recommend for a beginner as well. Good luck!

If you have a sewing store near by it is best to test a few out to see if you will want certain features. Like a drop in bobbin is much easier and there are some that are better for quilting than clothing. Like mine, which is a Janome, has a special stitch for stretchy fabrics. Granted mine was $300 and is a heavy duty machine.

You will want to check to see if the insides are all metal or has plastic parts in it. Try to stay away from plastic, but most machines under $200 tend to have plastic bits.

Most machines are also user friendly, so there is really no need to get a beginner one, just get something that has what you will need. Look it up if your not sure, but all you truly need is a zigzag, straight stitch, and a button hole maker for most basic projects.

If you aren't sure you really want to do sewing, get one second hand for cheap, if you can, cause even if it dies on you it will give you time to save up and get a good one. That is what I did and I then passed it on to one of my friends that is learning to sew herself.

Also on a side note Joanns doesn't accept coupons on sewing machines, it says in the fine print, which is annoying, lol. Oh and also look into getting an iron if you don't have one and if it says it is made in Germany, it is more than likely a good one. I would also stay away from cheap Singers, they tend to break quickly. The more expensive ones are fine to purchase thou.

Your welcome! It is also handy to look into sewing classes. It may be for something simple like a tote bag or pillow case, but they will show you how to use the machine that you own (you bring it in with you) or they teach you on one of theirs. Which generally most machine are about the same, unless it is the computerized ones. Also try looking into if there is a sewing/cosplay group near you that make their own stuff, sometimes they are willing to help people learn.

My mother has had a Kenmore for over 20 years, if that helps. I've heard that it's good to look for sewing machines with metal insides, as they don't break as easily as ones with plastic or other insides.

For my first machine I had a Pfaff 1016. It's very simple but sturdy and easy to use. I've been sewing for 9 years and now have a Pfaff Expression 2026. It has a lot more stitch variety but it is also a lot more expensive. Don't forget the other stuff you'll need too! Like brushes for cleaning, small paint brushes work well, and bobbins for your machine, check the type your machine uses, some use plastic some use metal, and they are all a little different. Let me know if you have any questions!